Clubs Books

David Brentridge was the only Brentridge heir left alive that knew about the family secret. Many men and even a woman sought out the rumored gold hidden on Brentridge property. None had ever breached the security of faithful work hands, the pool of poison, or the gun of David Brentridge himself.

Recent deaths led David to believe that his enemy Will Janely, was on the lookout to get his grimy hand on the gold. David was right in suspecting Will; but he never would have guessed who actually rode away that day with the small fortune leaving David for dead.

That one day put life in motion for David. He knew he must marry to sire a child of his own to pass on the family secret to. The only problem was, he didn't know where to find her as she has up and disappeared. In the end David got what he wanted all along; he was willing to pay the price in gold, too bad it also cost a leg.

Mr. Lambert has written a western that is a wickedly detailed , weirdly worded book of pure excitement. The characters exploded from the pages coming right to life. This story was very detailed, so much so that it distracted me from the story time to time. With that aside this is definitely a 4 heart worthy series that I will be sure to follow.

Did David find Consuela again? Are they living happily ever after? Did he produce a heir and a spare like he hoped? Does the secret live on? Did he find another opening in the treasure room? Is there more treasure or another darker, deeper mystery? Who pulled him out of that tunnel? What was amiss in the treasure room that he couldn't put his finger on? Oh yes, inquiring minds want to know. When is W. Lambert III going to write the next book in the series to answer all these questions....Or has W. Lambert III already written it? Where can I get it?

Love the book. Just what I needed on a sunny Sunday afternoon drifting on the lake ... relaxing. Perfect!

I could not put this book down. W. Lambert has written this twisted and twisting plot excellently. During the "hunt" scenes I am reminded of the short story "The Most Dangerous Game." While gold may be what everyone is after, both the prey and game turn out to be humans.
Every detail in the book is strategically placed and timed to result in a shocking and revealing ending. This book is raw--human raw. We see the characters for who they are and not who they pretend to be--with a few surprises. Death is present many times during the story; each depiction is realistic and relevant.
I cannot wait for the next book by W. Lambert

When author Christopher Dane, whose 1981 book RIDERS OF THE DRAGON presaged the Heaven's Gate suicides and arrival of comet Hale-Bopp, recommends THE BRENTRIDGE GOLD -- "Great! Fantastic! Unusual! A book I wish I'd written!" -- I sit up and take notice. Nor was I disappointed.

A sci-fi fan and a western afficionado, I found THE BRENTRIDGE GOLD, subtle enough in its plotline to satisfy readers of both genres. In fact, if you aren't a die-hard fan of the Ancient Astronaut theories, you might very well be misled into believing Lambert has written a western with just a very interesting and very unique storyline. However, if you are a true believer, there's enough insinuation of things "above and beyond" (including "Pakal, The Maya Astronaut" on the cover) to get the juices and the ah-yes-there-you-have-it! thought process working overtime.

Lambert, not new to the book scene provided some now classical reads in the eighties (ENCORES IN FADE; MICHAEL THE MASTER; ASSIGNMENT GREY AREA), and it's great to have him back from retirement [or from wherever else -- (cue "The Twilight Zone Theme") do,do do,do -- he's been], especially with a book that I predict will become a cult classic in its own right.

Don't miss this one if you like your westerns with a twist you're not likely to find in your typical run-of-the-mill cowboy novel, or your sci-fi really out of the ordinary! And since the books presents itself as merely the first in "The Pleiades Portals Series" of books, be sure not to miss it, because of predicted upcoming-more-of-the-same!

While I usually won't read Westerns, the idea of one involving "Ancient Astronauts" intrigued me, because I love science fiction! The science fiction and adventure elements keep sneaking into the narrative, along with hints of possible supernatural activity. Still, author W. Lambert III stays tightly focused on the Western-style hero, David Brentridge.

In fact, David takes up most of the ink in this book. We often see only him, or just him with brief appearances from the other characters. Fortunately, Lambert makes David a unique and fascinating character who slowly reveals more and more about himself and his family through his actions, dialogue, and thoughts.

The people who keep crossing David's path in one way or another might want the Brentridge gold, and he rarely can decide which of them to trust. Lambert even holds back from the readers why the gold involves so many secrets, far beyond any obvious fortune, but he gives us fascinating hints and glimpses through David and an ancient shaman. He also gives a fast-paced, unpredictable read.

My kids love this so much we listen to it over and over. On more than one occasion my son has asked ME to stop singing so he can hear the music. The narrative is fun and engaging. I wish they would release more cds!

"If the children in your life like the recent bug movies or have ever owned an ant farm, they may be ready for BUGSTERS. An assortment of buggy friends, each with a distinctive voice and personality, deliver two stories: one about cooperation, another about fear and rumors. The messages are unmistakable, but not overbearing. The theme music is catchy. TOP NOTCH!"

My husband and I took my son (5),daughter (7), and the Bugsters, on the road to visit my parents over the holidays. We were more prepared this time, because last time, the crayons and the lap activities just weren't enough, and we don't have a VCR/DVD player in the car. I have to say that these stories really captured their attention, and sparked conversation. The CD is exceptionally done, the stories are thought provoking, the characters all have different voices, and the sound effects are fantastic. We couldn't get enough of it. I only wish we'd had more.

My husband and I took my son (5) and daughter (7), and the Bugsters, on the road to visit my parents over the holidays. We were more prepared this time, because last time, the crayons and the lap activities just weren't enough, and we don't have a VCR/DVD player in the car. I have to say that these stories really captured their attention, and sparked conversation. The CD is exceptionally done, the characters all have different voices, and the sound effects were fantastic. We couldn't get enough of it.

We took this audio book camping and the kids just loved it. My boys are 4 and 6, and they were drawn into the stories right away. The sound effects make all of the action come alive, especially in the dark. We sat and talked after each story about the lessons the kids learned. One is about working as a team, and the other one is about facing your fears, but what was most important was that my boys admitted some fears that I was able to help them face through the trip.

This is one of my very truly most favorite childrens books.
You will never see band aids the same way again.

My almost 5 year old son LOVES this book! I am not sure what is his favorite part - the colorful boat, the inside of the whale, the bandaids - but we have read this book at least 3 or 4 times a week for the past four weeks.

Classic Book. My son first saw Burt Dow on a videotape of the Robert McCloskey books. At first, I couldn't find Burt Dow in any bookstores, but was glad when I finally did. My son loves the book and loves to play Burt Dow.

This book was one of my favorites growing up. Unlike other favorites that I found weren't so great anymore, this one has held up. It is much better than either Blueberries for Sal or Make Way for Ducklings because there are more plot turns and the color in the book just pours and splashes out of the book. The illustrations are just fabulous.

The book also uses nice alliteration and allows you to read it straight out or in voice (as a new englander or maybe Arlo Guthrie in Alice's restaurant - a sing-songy cadence -- check back after you read it twice and see what I mean). There are some repeated parts (descriptions of sounds and the leaky parts of the boat) that make the book fun to listen to for pre-readers as well as aurally rocking your child to sleep. My son has liked this since he was about 5 (now 7)

A terrific story with great illustrations.

This has always been one of my favorite books. Burt Dow has so much charracter. This is shown through the wonderful text and insigtfull pictures. Children should relate easily to the simple happy way in which Burt Dow thinks. Besides helping to reveal the wonderful charracter of this man, the pictures are also each a wonderfull piece of artwork in and of themselves. I especially like the ones of his old sea-side house with his garden and his boat. This book is a Classic.

'Car Chases and Fake Bologna' is a book that really meant a lot to me. As a teenager myself, from the very first page I couldn't help but think, 'hey, this is me!'. I followed every page and felt as though I weren't alone in the world. Feelings and emotions I could see in myself kept me with it the whole way through. I can truthfully say that I didn't once put the book down while reading it, even reading it through a second sitting the next day. The poetry inside is both serious and light-hearted - an entry for every emotion I can think of. Its one of those things you feel you can grow up with - the more you read, the more the author ages, and the closer you become to it. I am very, very fond of this book, and I HIGHLY recommend it to anybody out there, regardless of what you’re used to reading. Its worth it.

Car Chases and Fake Bologna, which quickly became a favorite read of mine, finally tells the real story of what life is like for an american youth. The experiences, stories and emotions feel so real because they are real, not semi-true memories of long ago. I found myself laughing, feeling lighthearted and sorrowful throughout the whole book and it was so easy to connect to the author. So many of her emotions were the same that I was experiencing but still the author was so original and creative kept me turning the page for more. As I said before this is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend Car Chases and Fake Bologna for anyone looking for a refreshing, sincere, and often humerous take on the real life of america's youth.

I love poetry and I have to say I liked this book. It has something for everyone. From love poems to ones of silliness to those reflecting anger and hatred. Some make you wonder how sane the author is, but others make you smile so truly that you really don't care. I can't wait to read her next book.

I have read and reread this book and find it utterly fascinating. It is an insight into the mind of an American youth, but it is not a childish book, nor does it suffer the revisionist flaws of an adult reminiscing about their youth. It is a collection of thoughts written by a young girl with the ability to communicate her feelings. The poetry ranges from silly to passionate and back again (I love "Demon Girl"). It is a very good read, but be careful, she will charm you - after all, she is a witch.

A great new book by one of my favorite authors. This girl is going to be famous one day.
Her first published collection, Marie's Book of Spells, wasn't really to my taste but this is exactly the sort of thing I like to see. A peek into the mind of an American youth through poems and journal entires. Always honest and vastly entertaining. I'm eagerly waiting to see what she comes out with next.

One of the best space, Drama/comedy series ever. E.E. (Doc) Smith was a man well ahead of his time; On the cutting edge of the future-space and the possibalities out there. A fabulous read for all, young and old.

The first half of the exciting Lensmen Chronicles. An ancient race hates lawful society and attacks our galaxy. Another order loving society fights them by genetic manipulation of the human (and other alien) race. The book starts with Atlantis and goes forward in time until in the end technology has truly become frightening. The weapons continue escalating, until it seems anything is possible.

This book is pulp, no doubt about it. The characters are a bit too perfect. But, I enjoyed it none-the-less.

Given all the re-do, plastic, unimaginative film we see these days (hey, let's remake the Poseidon adventure and the In Laws?) -- it makes one wonder why these books aren't being perused for a movie. We have had great sucess recently in the Lord of the Rings, the X-Men and other Marvel comics. This story should be done as a first-time movie.

These books are fast-paced, way ahead of their time, and like nothing that has ever been done to date. That's right: Star Trek (all flavors), Babylon 5, Farscape, meet the Lensman series by E.E. Doc Smith. This epic is on an inter-galactic scale using a means of propulsion never seen before. The weapons and energies used (sun-beams, black holes, free motion planets, hyper spatial tubes) make everything we've seen look like tinker toys.

The writing was so advanced, you can barely notice the dated view of the sexes (after all, it IS pre-war) but a little modern rewriting will get around it with no effort at all.

So, say you read it before it gets to the screen. I read these as a 12 year old in the 60's, and I've had a copy of them ever since. I leant them to a friend.... I am so glad they are back in print.

Enjoy!

Imagine an advanced human, space-faring civilization where there are no computers. Imagine a world where everything was larger than life, the good guys wear white and the bad guys are sufficently dastardly to deserve a hearty "booooo!" in the cinema. Imagine a world where anything is achievable with suitable will of men. Picture exploration, daring, immense battles between the forces of good and evil. EE "Doc" Smith did and wrote an incredible series of tales about it.

About the idea for a film - There is nothing wrong with having male heroes. It has happened in the past you know. Macho females are not an absolute necessity for a film. Also, the story line is about a breeding line that converges through history until Kimball Kinnison and his lady come along, the culmination of countless generations of planned evolution to counter the threat of the Eich. It would stretch suspension of belief well and truely beyond the already nonsensical sight of pint sized females beating up on huge guys twice their size. That's not sexist so don't, please, advocate a total re-write just for the unnecessary sake of 'modern thinking' (if people don't understand how things work today then they're already in trouble, I'd have thought! Leave well enough alone).

Change this and you change the entire story. Please, don't let political correctness alter the stories beyond recognition!

I'll agree absolutely that it is long past time that these incredible stories were made into the film they rightfully deserve - and I don't mean the feeble, forgettable effort that was made with animation (sorry, to those who worked on it - it just wasn't an adult's as opposed to adult entertainment). Why not - just for the sake of story integrity if nothing else, do the film if ever according to Doc Smith's vision rather than according to a non-entity of a censor who believes he/she knows what is best for the rest of us.

Smith's love of superlatives grates on occasion, but the basic storyline spans all of creation.

Two races, one altruistic and nurturing, one despotic and manipulative, have the briefest of encounters. The "good" race (the Arisians) determines almost immediately that they will never be able to best the "bad" race (the Eddorians) in any contest of force or will and, after masking the memory of the encounter in the mind of the representative of the lone Eddorian encountered, embarkes on a mind-blowingly long program to develop a race who can do so in their stead.

The first three books (not as written, but chronologically according to the storyline - Triplanetary was an afterthough in the series) presented here contain what I consider to be some of the most fun parts of the series as, particularly the last book (Children of the Lens - not part of this collection), seems to suffer pacing problems.

Four races are selected as candidates for the final attack on the Eddorians, these books concentrate almost exclusively on humanity, although the other races are encountered and the primary representatives of the penultimate breeding lines are introduced.

Much of this work is quite dated and there is a queasy sort of racism underlaying Smith's insistance that white, blue-eyed, apparently Aryan men represent the pinnacle of human genetic strength. There is an overt sexism in that (at least in the first three books) there are no female lensmen, by design.

But, along with James Blish (see "Cities in Flight" with particular emphasis on his use of fields for both protection and propulsion), Smith pretty much gave birth to the modern space-based Science Fiction series with these books.

If you can get past the datedness of the material, it's both a fun read and an important one.

This is one of my favourite BSC mysteries, along with the first 3 Stacey mysteries. Basically Claudia has a passion for photography from taking it in summer school that she even photographs a bank, around the same time a robbery took place and she thinks there might be clues in the photographs. There is nothing at first, but then the "nancy drew of Stoneybrook" uses her creativity and logic to examine the pictures carefully and finds clues, read to find out what happens, it's written in a very suspensful manner as well. Well done Ann!

Claudia and the Clue in the Photograph is a good book. Claudia is taking photography lessons so she's become obsessed with taking pictures. She's taking pictures of the bank around the same time the bank was robbed. Claudia thinks her pictures contain some clues. They don't look like they do and the police sure don't think so, but Claudia won't give up til all the money is back in the bank!

claudia's new passion for photography has her snapping pictures everywhere. at bsc meetings, breakfast and all over stoneybrook. one afternoon she uses up a whole roll of film in the stoneybrook bank. and that's where the mystery starts for Claudia only.

Claudia And The Clue In The Photograph is a great book, it is about Claudia and she is taking pictures of the bank just because she likes the way it looks,then she finds out that the bank was being robbed the very same day she was taking pictures so she tries to find out who dit it. you will be pretty surprised when you found out who did it.

This book is extrodinary!!!!! I loved it. It took me 2 nights to read this book and on the first night I didn't put it down untill I was caught reading it at Midnight. I would definently recommend this book to others. Especially if you love mysterys, and stuff to do with camera's. Now, don't get me wrong the whole thing isn't about camera's, but you do learn a lot about camera's, since they find a lot of the clues in the pictures (okay, maybe it IS mostly about camera's, but not in a boring way). This book even got me interested in taking pictures.
This book is about a 13 year old girl named Claudia, who is a member of the BSC (baby-sitters club). She has to go to summer school, but her parents said that if she does well in math, she can take an extra fun subject. Claudia decides to take photagraphy class. She loves it soo much that her father makes her, her own darkroom in her and her sister's bathroom. Mary Anne is missing Dawn (her step-sister) and so are all the BSC member's and the kids,(she is in California for a while). So, they decide to make a book with photographs of Stonybrook, Conneticut (where they live) and then send it to Dawn, (hoping to make her miss StonyBrook and come back sooner). They make plans and one day set of with small groups all over StonyBrook snapping pictures. Claudia is fasinated by the bank and takes a whole roll and a half of just the bank. To be funny Mary-Ann takes pictures of Claudia taking pictures of the bank. Later on during a BSC meeting Claudia and the other members find out that the StonyBrook bank has been robbed of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Knowing that she was at the bank and taking pictures Claudia developes her film, but finds nothing. But, even later on she finds out that the robbery took place on the same day at almost the same time she was taking those pictures. You will have to read the rest to find out if she catches the robber or if she fails.

I like books in which kids know that discrimination and prejudice is ignorance unlike the adults in their lives. What the Anglos did to the Aboriginals during colonization was so sad and many generations of natives lost their culture and identity as a result of america the greedy and it's nice to know that today's generation of children are aware of the great people natives are instead of covering up their achievements

This is a very interesting book because for some people it is a real eye opener. It tells the truth about women's rights in those days and alot of extra info on the pilgram life that many people didn't know. For some reason, the parents belived this was wrong. Perhaps they got so caught up in turney and stuffing, they forgot the real thankgiving meaning. Being thankful.

I am a history lover, and my opinion is, that when portraing a historical event or time, the two things that are most important, are respect, and accurasie. All Cladua and her friends wanted to do, is create a play accuratly and respectfuly portraning the First Thanksgiving. I would have loved to have seen, or been a part of somthing like the production they put on. I thought it sounded grate. That's why I was so suppriesed and angered bythe parent's reaction to the play. How could they say THAT was unAmerican? JUst becase they where not willing to accsept the truth about an event in America's past, doesn't meen there is anything unAmerican about portraying things as close to what they realy where as possible! On the contrary, I would have said there version of the story was MORE Patriotic then most, becase it showed the Pilgrems for what they realy where: human beings, people, just like you and I. I'm glad that Cladua and her friends stood up for themselves, and didn't let the insdent ruien there holiday. I have alredy given away to much of the story as it is, so I will refrain from saying more. I will close with this final word,though: Try this book. You will appriceate and enjoy this read, for more than one reason.Even if you didn't read BSC's before, or if you stoped reading them, (like I did) you should try this one. Thnk you, Ann M. Marten, for giving me reniewed fath in your books!

Claudia and the First Thanksgiving is a better book that what is sounds like. In it Claudia and her Short Takes Class are putting on a modern twist of the First Thanksgiving. They address many views and the parents get really mad. They refuse to let the kids put on the play. So Claudia, Abby, Stacey and the rest of her class have to find a way to get their play back. Also at the end of the book a really special vistor shows up! This is a good bookj and worth the money to buy it. P.S. This book brings back Betsy Sobak, remember from #19 Claudia and the bad joke???

In the book, Claudia and the club create a play for The First Thanksgiving.

Yeah!!! One of my favorite characters has a new cousin! How exciting! My two cousins were born last year and I'm soooo happy! I enjoyed spending my time with them and with my aunt and uncle. It was great. It's too bad that Claud fought with Peaches. She must feel upset. Do they get a long again? You'll find out when you read CLAUDIA AND THE WORLD'S CUTEST BABY. You'll love it!

I think it great she has every book on every day baby-sitting experence

I really enjoyed this book, although it is not my favourite BSC book.I liked the way Ann Martin made Claudia's personal experience reflect her family expierience. Claud eventually realizes thet the way she feel s about a girl in her class is the way her Aunt,Peaches,feels about claud. Not the best BSC book i have read but still very very good. You'd be mad not to read it!

I loved this book, and have read it three times. Claudia's aunt Peaches is having a baby! Claudia is overjoyed when her little cousin Lynn born. And even happier that she's her godmother! A little too happy actually...Claudia is over at her Aunt Peaches house way too much. She keeps bringing over gifts, telling her aunt how to raise Lynn, and breaking things. Finally, Aunt Peaches cannot take it any longer, and blows up at Claud. She implies that Claudia is rude, and pesty. Claudia cannot believe her ears, and gets very angry and doesn't come over or speak to Peaches. Meanwhile, Claud, Stacey, and Abby's social studies class are taking a trip to Philadelphia! There, she finally understands why Peaches was angry at her due to Claudia's own experience in Philly. This book was totally cool, you've got to read it!

Claudia's baby cousin is here! She is spending her time helping peaches and Russ in their house that she forgets to spend time with her family. And one day, Claudia finds out that Peaches is stressed out.

No food stylist here, real food cooked and shown by a chef who by the photos and the opening of each chapter loves what he does and cooks from the heart. I have many cook books being a fan of food and chefs and those TV chefs pump them out, doubt if they even write them on thier own.

By reading this book, cooking from it I can tell that it is a labor of love from a chef who truly cares, I did not know such top cuisine was served at private clubs as well.

I am use to this with books fom Europe so it is great to see a Amercian chef have so much heart and the ability to ceate good tasting food with flavors that make sense.

Jose K

This chef rocks. I have attended two of his lectures and demos with class mates on cooking and food. He has so much passion and love for what he does. He said to us in his class I cook with water I do walk on water we are here together to share and learn from each other with a simple thing called food. The man is full of talent, love for his craft and this book shows all of his. We love you chef!

Many recipes, I enjoy all of the day parts as many good books forget we eat breakfast and lunch at times. Many recipes complex but others simple and full of flavor. No doubt much passion and care from the author in regard to his craft. The forward if people read such things written by another chef is one of the best I have seen and really captures the author and what he is about, well done. Great photos and the chef displays a knack for plating and displaying food he should do a book just on this subject. It is a must book for the culinary libary.

I am a fan of the man no doubt.
This chef has done much for the profession, gives back and now shares his cuisine at the club he works at. He has made club cuisine come alive and be noticed. I am a chef in a club and Chef Leonard has helped club chefs all over the country.
Bravo

This is a fist class cook book. With so many out there, this book has a nice designe, great pictures that show food you want to eat! It even has breakfast and lunch items, not all meals revolve around dinner.
The chef knows his stuff and knows how to harmonize flavors while show creative food that works.
Good cooking Chef

First of all I would like to say that I'm a interested and concerend parent. This book would be a great addition to a school libary. I've read all the harry potters and I have talked to my kids about what and how they feel about them. we understand the mystical and unreal type of books they are,
yet this book is real and mysticial at the same time. I really feel that this book taught my childern and made them interested in our history. I would really recomend this to all grade school kids!

I couldn't put this book down. Wonderfully written to capture the adult, teen, and younger generations. Although you might think going back in time is a stretch to overcome in your mind, by the time I got to that part, I was hooked. Suspenseful, mysterious, educational, and just plain fun to read. I look forward to reading more of Mrs. Ritt's works. This is an especially great book for kids. She made real history come to life in a very sneeky way. Kids won't even realize until it's too late, that they are actually reading a lot of real history joined seemlessly with fictional fun. Loved it.

Historically accurrate and wonderfully ingrained with the fantasy that resides in most of us....what if... . Imagination and determination, courage and more are conveyed to the reader as something innate in these children. A wonderful adventure that bridges cultural and ethnic differences to show what we are meant to be ... each for the other. Also a great tool to integrate history and literature in elementary and middle school.

My youngest grandaughter (12years old) came home with this. Reading isn't her favorite time consuming thing in life but she began spouting off all of these history facts that caught me somewhat off guard. I inquired about her recent knowledge find and she told me about this book and how she thought it was so fun to read. Naturally, I then had to have one for myself. I couldn't hardly put it down. It was a fun mixture of Paul Revere, facts about him that I would have never known and a group of kids finding themselves forced into using their skills and witts to get out of some pretty tough situations.
I'm 56 and it just goes to show, no matter what your age learning can still be fun.
I hope Mrs. Ritt gets to read this because I would like to thank her for her efforts to bring this story to life.

First of all I would like to say that I'm a interested and concerend parent. This book would be a great addition to a school libary. I've read all the harry potters and I have talked to my kids about what and how they feel about them. we understand the mystical and unreal type of books they are,
yet this book is real and mysticial at the same time. I really feel that this book taught my childern and made them interested in our history. I would really recomend this to all grade school kids!